Anxiety Treatment For Dogs

A veterinarian or canine behavior specialist will pinpoint the triggers for your dog and formulate an anxiety disorder treatments at home treatment plan. This could include medications or collars with pheromone diffusers (like Comfort Zone or Adaptil) and regular exercise and mental stimulation.

Pet parents can also opt to set up a peaceful and quiet area at home for their dogs who are anxious where they can relax.

Medication

Some dogs require medication to manage anxiety or behaviors based on fear. The veterinarian will determine whether your dog needs short- or long-term medications and will recommend the most appropriate option. Medication is only to be used in conjunction with and not as a substitute for behavioral modification and training.

Medications used for anxiety management include tranquilizers, selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) tricyclic antidepressants and anxiolytics. SSRIs like sertraline and fluoxetine are frequently prescribed for the management of generalized anxiety, separation anxiety, and compulsive behavior, such as excessive grooming. They can take several weeks to show results and may require periodic examination by a veterinarian. Tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline or clomipramine can also be used to treat generalized anxiety as well as specific fears. This class of medication takes between one to four weeks to show effects and requires regular surveillance by the veterinarian. Anxiolytics like Alprazolam are fast-acting and are best when given just prior to an anxious event.

In addition to prescription medications, there are natural products and treatment modalities that can reduce anxiety in certain dogs. Calmer Canine, a new non-prescription anxiety wrap, is just one of the many products that help calm dogs. Certain pet owners also employ massage therapy, melatonin or acupuncture for managing anxiety. However, there is only a small amount of scientific evidence to support these options.

Small Door uses the combination of behavior changes as well as changes in the dog's environment, natural therapy, and medication when needed. Medication enhances the positive effects of training and behavior modification by balancing the chemical messengers in your dog's brain and making repetitions of training "stick" more quickly.

In most cases, the first line treatment for anxiety step is to identify and eliminate the root of anxiety. A reputable veterinarian or behaviorist can aid in this process, and recommend strategies to help your dog avoid triggers. Some of these methods are easy, such as making a routine and giving your dog plenty of exercise to burn off the excess energy. Others are more involved, like desensitization and counterconditioning. In the end, however a good vet and canine behaviorist will collaborate to develop a treatment plan that is effective for your dog.

Training

Behavior modification is a potent tool to help your dog overcome anxiety. It takes time however, once you have identified the triggers for their behavior changes, they can learn to relax and enjoy life. Your veterinarian will be able to guide you on the most effective methods to train your dog and may recommend that you work with a professional dog trainer.

If your dog is suffering from separation anxiety, they will exhibit many of the same behaviors as dogs with other types of anxiety, including destructive behavior, defecating and urinating in the house, pacing anxiety and barking. They may also chew on things. It's also common for them be hostile towards other pets and people within their homes. This is the reason you should consult with your veterinarian to develop an appropriate behavior plan and then hire a dog trainer.

Behavior modification can be highly efficient in the short-term and is often utilized in conjunction with other treatment modalities. The use of medication can lessen the negative emotional response of dogs and allow them to be more receptive to training while also providing relief from anxiety-related symptoms. Clomipramine is also referred to as Clomicalm is a drug that is often prescribed to treat separation anxiety. Dexmedetomidine, or Sileo is a medicine that is used to treat situational anxiety, including noise phobias. It may take as long as up to four weeks before you see the therapeutic benefits. Your vet will want you to schedule regular blood tests as well as behavior evaluations.

A variety of natural remedies can help reduce a dog's stress. They can feel more secure by adding consistency and structure to the environment as well as music and massage. Your veterinarian can suggest an aromatherapy scent for your pet. Another option is to put on an enveloping coat or t-shirt, which applies constant pressure to the dog's body similar to an swaddling cloth for babies, and can help to reduce anxiety about travel, noise or separation, as well as strangers.

Natural Therapy

Many natural methods can help calm dogs that are anxious. These include herbal supplements, music, aromatherapy and chiropractic care.

Crate training is a successful way to calm dogs with separation anxiety and allow them their own space. Relaxing music stimulates serotonin which can promote relaxation in cats and dogs. Some pet owners have had success using pheromones which mimic the soothing scents can be found in the natural scents of cats and dogs. These products are available as collar diffusers and spray versions.

Another option is to utilize a calming herbal remedy like Rescue Remedy or Bach Flower Essences which are diluted herbal solutions that can be sprinkled into the water of a dog, or directly in their mouth. The majority of these remedies work as well or better than prescription anti-anxiety medication.

Exercise is a great method to lower stress. It could be a short walk or a more intense game of fetch. Anything that tire out your dog can help keep him calm and less likely to display anxiety-related behaviors. It is also essential to keep your dog entertained mentally and you should consider engaging your dog in new techniques. This will give them something to focus on that is not their stress triggers and give them the mental stimulation they need.

For older dogs who need to be calmer, or for those with a medical condition that causes them to be more stressed, a visit to a veterinarian could be beneficial. For example, a dog who has a slipped disc may benefit from chiropractic care which can help to realign the spine and keep the nerves and muscles healthy and functioning normally.

In certain cases, medication is the best option to ease a dog's anxiety. In the majority of instances, however, there are less expensive and safer methods to soothe an anxious dog. Talk to your vet and try one (or all) of these remedies to determine which one is the most effective for your pup.

Veterinary Care

Anxiety-related behavioral issues can be a challenge for pet owners and their pets, but can also be dangerous for the dog. Some of the most severe symptoms of anxiety can result in aggression and self-mutilation, like pulling fur out or compulsive biting. These are serious issues that require the help of veterinarian. Some medication may be necessary, and a trained behaviorist can assist you to formulate an appropriate treatment strategy.

There are a variety of medications available to ease anxiety symptoms. Your veterinarian will recommend the most appropriate medication based on the unique condition of your dog as well as the reaction it has to medication. It usually takes four to six weeks for the medication to begin working. The treatment should be continued after positive results are observed for two months. It is important that you adhere to the prescriptions of your vet for your dog and do not alter or stop the dosage without consulting your vet.

Anxiolytics, antidepressants and benzodiazepines are all drugs that can help relieve anxiety. Antidepressants and benzodiazepines are short-acting medications which relieve anxiety symptoms in a short time and anxiolytics are long-acting medications that relieve anxiety and stress over time.

In addition to prescribing medication for anxiety Your veterinarian may also suggest non-pharmaceutical solutions that include tranquilizers, pheromones, or anxiety wraps. Your veterinarian will give you advice on how to reduce stress and Anxiety panic attack Treatment in your dog, for example, getting enough exercise by playing games, or spending time with him in a safe place.

Many factors can contribute to anxiety in your dog, such as arthritis pain, or other health issues that increase the stress levels. It is therefore important to see your veterinarian immediately when your dog's behavior begins to change, and especially in the event that it appears anxiety is caused by pain or discomfort. Your vet will determine if the anxiety treatment without drugs is caused by an illness or condition, and will refer you to an animal trainer or behaviorist if needed.